The study described beliefs and behavior patterns related to causes and control measures of coronary artery disease (CAD). A hundred adults in an outpatient clinic in Salvador in the state of Bahia were interviewed. The results were analyzed via the qualitative analysis technique. It predominantly involved married and unemployed black men, aged <60 years, with low schooling and income. The average beliefs on the cause of CAD was 1.53 per participant and blamed behavioral, biological, relational and religious factors, and represented excesses related to day-to-day tensions and eating habits. Most of the participants did not consider the disease to be chronic and believed that treatment would be temporary and they would be cured. The average beliefs for control measures were of 1.45, with dietary measures and medication. A sedentary lifestyle was the norm and reducing smoking and alcohol, using less salt and saturated fat in the preparation of meals, consuming white meat, cooked and industrialized food was seen as the answer. Only 66% complied with medical prescriptions. Lack of understanding of the causes and control measures of CAD makes the implementation of medical care, better living and health conditions and self-care essential.